Mayor Bloomberg ends gas rationing in NYC

Police organize people who are waiting for gas at a station on 96th street on the Upper East Side as the city experiences a gas shortage while recovering from Sandy. (Nov. 3, 2012) Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday lifted an emergency order that imposed a 1970s-style odd-even rationing system for buying gasoline and diesel fuel in New York City. The mayor's order is effective Saturday at 6 a.m.

"The odd-even license plate system not only significantly reduced extreme lines, but also eased anxiety and disruptions for drivers at gas stations across the five boroughs," Bloomberg said in a statement. "With more than 85 percent of gas stations now operating -- a substantial increase from just 25 percent two weeks ago -- and Thanksgiving and Black Friday behind us, the odd-even license plate system will be rescinded."

Sandy caused flooding and damaged petroleum infrastructure throughout the tri-state area, forcing terminals and distribution networks in the region to close, Bloomberg said.